Heritage Park Public School – CODE OF CONDUCT
Heritage Park Public School is committed to providing a safe environment for emotional, social, physical and intellectual growth opportunities in order to enable individuals to function in society as responsible lifelong learners by:
- fostering respect for self, school and community;
- developing skills in decision-making and problem-solving;
- promoting a healthy lifestyle;
- providing experiences to meet the academic expectations established by the Ministry.
Rights, Responsibilities and Respect
We expect all students at Heritage Park Public School to be positive, friendly, and sensitive to others. We also expect all students at Heritage Park Public School to be able to resolve their conflicts in non-violent ways.
Heritage Park Public School promotes a shared responsibility between children, parents and staff for maintaining a caring, safe and orderly learning environment. Our Safe School Committee believes in the 3 R’s – Rights, Responsibilities, and Respect and has defined in our Code of Conduct as follows:
. Think about other people’s feelings.
. Work and play safely.
. Follow directions promptly.
TDSB Online Code of Conduct
**Please see the TDSB Online Code of Conduct here: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/About-Us/Policies-Procedures-Forms/Online-Code-of-Conduct
Recognition of Positive Behaviour
We are committed to fostering a positive school climate through purposeful, thoughtful and inclusive practices that support healthy student, staff and school community relationships. The vast majority of our students exhibit behaviour, which reflects self-discipline and respect for people and property in our school community. This type of appropriate behaviour is expected, appreciated, and recognized on a daily basis.
Interventions for Inappropriate Behaviour and Consequences
In almost all cases, everybody respects these rules. From time to time, however, our students may neglect to abide by elements of our Code of Conduct. Should this occur the following guidelines would take effect.
If disruptive behaviour occurs in the classroom setting, each teacher will deal with the occurrence in a constructive and confidential manner.
Inappropriate student behaviour will be addressed by teachers, supervisors, and/or administration with the goal of improving student achievement, behaviour, accountability, and safety. The actions taken will be dependent on the nature, severity, and frequency of the individual case, and may involve any of the following range of progressive strategies and/or consequences, in accordance with the Toronto District School Board’s Caring and Safe Schools’ Policy:
- apology
- verbal reprimand
- proximity control
- time out/ temporary change of location
- reflection documentation
- warning
- detention
- behavioural contract
- restriction/loss of privileges
- discussion and counselling
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- involvement of parent/guardian
- referral to School Team and/or outside agencies
- formal interview between with student, teacher, parent/guardian and principal
- performance of community service
- payment for repair or replacement of lost or damaged property
- formal suspension
- recommendation for expulsion
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Discipline as Learning
We believe that in every instance that discipline is required, that there should be a learning component involved in the resolution of the problem. We also believe that those who make mistakes must face and accept the consequences of the mistake by accepting an appropriate and fair consequence and bring the issue to closure.
In instances where there are acts that the Principal has reason to believe may be covered by the Criminal Code of Canada, the police will be advised and the school investigation will be postponed.
We will engage the services of Toronto District School Board support personnel such as Attendance Counsellors, Guidance Counsellors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, as well as community agencies that are appropriate to the demonstrated needs of the individual.
Bullying Policy at Heritage Park Public School- Accepting Schools Act, Bill 13
Legislation was put into place effective February 2013 empowering school boards to discipline acts of bullying. It is unacceptable to physically, verbally (orally or written), sexually or psychologically abuse anyone. Bullying or discrimination based on race, culture, religion, gender, language, disability (physical or mental), sexual orientation or any other attribute will not be tolerated. Bullying is never justified and is not excusable as “kids being kids”, “just teasing” or any other rationalization. The target, even a provocative one, is never responsible for being bullied.
Bill 13: “Bullying” means systematically and chronically inflicting physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students or employees. The policy sets forth guidelines for the identification and reporting of bullying – as the overall goal of the initiative is the protection of students and their increased feelings of safety and belonging. The policy requires teachers and staff to utilize a variety of prevention and intervention activities and includes tools and resources that create environments of safety and respect and expectations of appropriate behaviour.
Expectations of Parents/Guardians, Visitors and Staff are as follows:
Parents/Guardians and other school visitors will…
- report to the office immediately on entry to the school except when escorting their children to and from school daily;
- respect the policy of Smoke Free Environment;
- make appointments through the office if a meeting with a teacher is desired;
- have a valid reason for visiting the child or teachers at school;
- respect our dog-free schoolyard as some children are afraid of animals.
Staff members will…
- encourage and motivate students to achieve their full potential;
- recognize students as individuals who are capable of success;
- provide quality educational experiences that meet policies and guidelines;
- set aside time to listen and advise when students need extra help;
- demonstrate respect and courtesy at all times;
- provide fair and reasonable treatment for all;
- serve as a worthwhile and positive role model;
- appreciate and respect parental involvement;
- support family values;
- provide a nurturing, clean, orderly and safe environment;
- be insistent, persistent and consistent and always fair and reasonable;
- point out mistakes and show students how to learn from them with an emphasis on developing a “Growth Mindset”.
Parents / Guardians will...
- guide and encourage positive attitudes about school and education;
- establish home routines that will ensure punctual attendance as well as homework and study;
- encourage respect for all others;
- serve as an effective and appropriate role-model;
- support the respect for the rights and property of others;
- contact the school to discuss concerns or to share information that will help the teacher to better understand the student as an individual;
- be available for discussions with teachers about the progress of their children;
- help teachers to instill a love of learning;
- notify the office at 416-396-6207 when a student is going to be late or absent;
- follow the school and board rules